Govt Issues Advisory Following Cyberattacks

Multiple television channels, websites and mobile applications came under coordinated cyberattacks,on Sunday prompting the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) to launch a formal investigation.

The main attack happened at the state owned satellite of the country Pak-Sat, as a result several tv channels suffered transmission issues.

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However no major government or private website was hit. Taking note of the situation CERT issued an alert and advisory to all concerned in government departments and key private institutions regarding the massive attack.

Sources in the IT ministry said that hostile states and organised hacker groups attempted cyber intrusions targeting Pakistan’s digital and broadcast infrastructure a day earlier.“The impact was limited mainly because the users were negligible too, “The official added.

Meanwhile, sources in CERT told that initial assessments suggest that hacking attempts may have been made on the streaming infrastructure of two to three internet service providers (ISPs).

Officials are also examining the possibility that a device-based intrusion was attempted through a satellite uplink.

However, they cautioned that no definitive conclusion can be drawn until the forensic analysis is completed.According to sources, two private television channels and one mobile application reported breaches.

The affected platforms were restored after immediate technical intervention and are now functioning normally.

Authorities said the meeting would review the technical findings, assess vulnerabilities and outline preventive measures to strengthen the country’s cyber defence framework.

Officials maintained that a detailed position would be shared once the forensic report is finalised.At the same time sources in the power corridors said that the immediate reaction was to launch a counter attack and some Indian tv channels as well as few Israeli website faced hacking.

“The signature mark showing that the hackers were supporting Pakistan was a deliberate move to tell these countries that they too can face the damage,” sources added.